Prime Minister Andy Burnham Cancels Engagements After Father's Death

Andy Burnham cancelled all official engagements for Monday and Tuesday following the death of his father, Roy Burnham, at age 85. Roy Burnham, a former telephone engineer, had been battling Alzheimer's disease and was unaware that his son had become Prime Minister in July.

The Prime Minister has previously cited his father's illness as a primary motivation for his goal to reform the adult social care system in England. Among the cancelled events were a meeting with business leaders at 10 Downing Street on Monday and a speech at a conference in Brighton on Tuesday.

First Secretary of State Louise Haigh is acting as the de facto leader of the government during the Prime Minister's absence.